According to the committee officials the rejection was made keeping in mind that the tableau was based on a particular scheme whereas the tableau should be showing the cultural, economy and history and not to focus just one scheme.

“Bengal tableaux for Republic Day depicting path-breaking Kanya Shree initiative was not allowed. We repeatedly requested… Life goes on (sic),” tweeted Derek O’Brien, a parliamentarian of the state’s ruling Trinamool Congress.

Bengal tableaux for Republic Day depicting path-breaking Kanya Shree initiative was not allowed. We repeatedly requested… Life goes on

If rumours are believed to be true, the reason behind this is the running feud of chief minister Mamta Banarjee with the ruling BJP at the Centre. Mamata also sent a proposal to the centre regarding this.

Many more states were also rejected from the parade that includes Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Kerala and Delhi. According to critics, these states are those not ruled by BJP. However, states like Punjab and Nagaland were also missing from the parade even when these are ruled by BJP.

Defence ministry officials insisted that the selections were based on merit.

In 2013, Mamata Banerjee flagged off the ‘Kanyashree’ scheme under which an annual scholarship of Rs 500 would be given to girls between 13 and 18 years to continue their studies, provided they are unmarried and their parents’ annual income is below Rs 1.20 lakh.